Arterial and Venous Duplex Ultrasound
Vascular ultrasound is a non-invasive study used to diagnose conditions
of the arteries and veins. Sound waves are reflected off of structures to visualize both the walls and the inside
of the larger blood vessels. Doppler waveform analysis allows the interpreting physician to evaluate blood flow
direction and speed in different parts of the vessel. This can be used to determine different conditions, such as
blockages (stenosis), clots, enlargement (aneurysm) or leakage inside the vessels.
Information obtained by vascular ultrasound will help the treating physician
decide what further diagnostic testing is needed, such as peripheral angiography, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). It is also helpful when deciding on a treatment plan, such as medical therapy, percutaneous intervention or
surgery.
Arteries that are typically imaged using vascular ultrasound include the
carotids (neck), abdominal aorta, renal (kidney) arteries, mesenteric circulation (intestine) and leg arteries.
